As winter approaches, students tend to find themselves holed up in their apartments or dorm rooms. Homework may be a way to keep busy, but it’s not the most entertaining way to spend an evening.

With the fear of finals looming over students, what better way to relax than with an activity that many students would consider themselves experts on – a party.

Not just the usual BYOB party, though. A theme party, complete with food, decorations, entertainment and, well, a theme, can be a fun way to switch up the social scene.

Laura Bergren, senior in English, has had her share of planning large parties. She was in charge of the Salt Company’s Snow Ball and parents’ banquet last year.

“The most important thing to a good party is to have more than one thing to do,” Bergren said. “You will have active and passive people at your party. Cater to both.”

Bergren also said good music and food are crucial to setting any social scene. The most important thing, however, is planning.

“Figure out what you want to do,” Bergren said. “Think about what is something everyone enjoys doing. Then do something to make it unique, like maybe secret gifts or a fun cocktail. Have fun with it.”

This season, try these ideas to make an ordinary party a complete package.

A Black & White Affair

Although these suggestions tell how to make this party stylish, this is an easy theme to dress up or down. Either way, there’s nothing that’s more classic than black and white, and this is a unique way to do it.

“Black and white is way classy and original,” Bergren said. “Frankly, you won’t find that at every party or on any weekend.”

Invitations: black-and-white photos like “Life” magazine stills

Attire: black and white dress clothes

Food: fettuccine alfredo, chocolate and vanilla ice cream or chocolate and white cake

Drink: black or white Russians, chocolate and vanilla milkshakes

Decor: white lilies in black vases or clear vases with black ribbon, black-and-white tea lights, black-and-white tablecloths and napkins, posters of black-and-white movie stills

Entertainment: classic black-and-white movies, dancing lessons, black-and-white board games (Othello, Scrabble, chess, etc.)

Winter Wonderland

“The holiday party appeals to everybody, so it’s going to be an automatic hit,” Bergren said.

With winter, snow and Christmas quickly approaching, it’s time to light that fireplace and warm up with some holiday fun before semester break.

Invitations: paper snowflakes on blue paper

Attire: ugly winter sweaters

Food: roast beef sandwiches, baked potato bar with toppings, coconut snowballs

Drink: hot apple cider (can add caramel), hot chocolate with candy cane stirrers (can add Irish cream), Shirley Temples (lemon-lime soda with grenadine and possibly orange juice or orange liqueur)

Decor: Christmas lights, paper chains, popcorn and cranberry chains, paper snowflakes, scattered fake snow

Entertainment: decorate sugar cookies or gingerbread houses, make holiday ornaments, exchange presents, ice skating, snowman/snow angel contest

Casino Royale

Break out the cards and deal them. This party is sure to give people plenty to do, and the added incentive of winning money is sure to keep people interested.

“Who wouldn’t want to win a little cash?” Bergren said.

Invitations: use playing cards on paper

Attire: “mob-elous”

Food: mozzarella sticks, chicken strips, chips and salsa or guacamole, chocolate fondue

Drink: martinis, sparkling grape juice

Decor: playing cards, red and black decorations, potted plants, tapered candles in wine bottles

Entertainment: casino games, card house contest, casino movies such as “Ocean’s Eleven.”